Article and method for performing an exercise and holding an object used in the exercise

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an article comprising a loop of inelastic material for use by a person to perform an exercise on a mat and that is capable of holding a rolled mat. If the exercise is yoga, the loop is a multi-functional device that can be used a strap, a cushion, a slip-prevention article and as a towel. Stitching can be provided to provide visual guidance for proper posture. The loop has a length equal to or greater than 15 inches such that it can be knotted by the person to hold the rolled mat either by hand or across the shoulder before and after yoga.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/849,216 filed Aug. 31, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/830,541 filed Apr. 22, 2004, the entiredisclosures of both are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an article and method forperforming an exercise and holding an object used in the exercise and,more particularly, to an article and method for performing an exercise,such as yoga, and holding a mat used in the exercise.

2. Description of the Related Art

Yoga is a popular exercise in the United States. Its popularity stemsfrom its ability to provide physical and mental fitness in a simplemanner. All that is required is the ability to execute and maintain aseries of body poses typically on a mat. Although the body poses appearto be easy, they are in practice very difficult to achieve and maintain.

To achieve a given body pose, a yoga student must first learn thecorrect posture for the pose. Each yoga pose requires proper placementof the arms, legs, head, etc. The correct posture for a pose is commonlytaught by a yoga instructor. The instructor adjusts the yoga student asthe student tries to achieve the pose. Yoga, however, is also practicedalone or without the assistance of an instructor. In these situations,the yoga student may not remember or even know the correct posture forthe pose.

Even if the yoga student knows the correct posture for the pose, shemust be able to maintain the pose. This can be very difficult,particularly for a beginning student. For example, one yoga poserequires the student to lay on her back and raise one leg for a periodof time. Most beginning students can hold this simple pose for only ashort duration of time. To assist the student to hold the pose, a nylonstrap is commonly used to provide support. The strap is placed aroundthe foot of the leg. The student then holds the two ends of the strapwith her hands and raises the leg. By pulling on the end of the straps,the student supports the leg in the raised position. The strap is veryhelpful, and many yoga students have such straps as part of their yogagear.

Another yoga pose requires the student to maintain a push-up likeposition, known as the plank pose, for a period of time. Holding thispose for a period of time places great stress on the shoulders, arms andhands. Because yoga mats are usually thin, this pose can quickly becomepainful to maintain. Most beginning students can hold this pose for onlya short duration of time. To assist the student in this pose (and otherposes), a cushion or cushion blocks are commonly used to reduce thestress on the shoulders and arms. Such blocks are very helpful and mayalso be part of a typical yoga student's gear.

Another difficulty in maintaining poses such as the plank pose isslippage. One of the hallmarks of yoga is its ability to generateinternal “heat” or perspiration. After a series of poses, most yogastudents have perspired on their mats and have wet hands. Poses, such asthe plank pose, that require firm contact between the hands and the matare difficult to maintain when the mat and the student's hands are wet.The hands can slip along the mat even if the student uses a mat with asticky material designed to prevent such slippage. Such slippage resultsin the end of the hold and possibly can lead to injury. Yoga studentscommonly overcome this problem by placing a slender towel across themat. The student then places her hands on the towel during such poses asthe plank pose. The towel not only prevents the hands from slippingalong the mat, but also dries the hands and the mat.

Thus, a yoga student may take a number of pieces of yoga gear to aclass. She may take a mat, a nylon strap or straps, a cushion or cushionblocks, a towel to prevent slippage and a towel for drying her face andbody during and after yoga. Many yoga students also take a bag for themat. The bag prevents the yoga mat from being undone before and afterclass. Yoga bags are typically elongated pouch-like bags in which arolled yoga mat is placed. Two disadvantages of such bags are that theydo not allow the mat to breath and dry-out after class and they can bebulky.

Taking all this gear to practice yoga can be cumbersome. If the studentis practicing yoga in a class, she may not have the space to place allthis gear around her mat. Even if she has the space, the unloading ofthe gear before practicing yoga and packing of the gear after practicingyoga can be time-consuming. Such unloading and packing can also beparticularly distracting for yoga, which seeks to give the student aserene mind-set. Furthermore, while some of the gear may assist thestudent in maintaining a pose, none of the gear can visually guide thestudent to the correct posture for the pose. Also, the yoga bag does notallow the mat to breathe and dry-out after class.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is an article comprising a loopof inelastic material for use by a person to perform an exercise on amat. If the exercise is yoga, the loop of inelastic material can be usedto perform yoga in many different ways. The loop can be used as a strapto assist in maintaining poses such as the raised leg pose discussedabove. The loop can also be placed across the yoga mat. The loop ofinelastic material not only provides a cushion for poses such as theplank pose, but it can also prevent slippage. Furthermore, the loop hasa length equal to or greater than 15 inches such that it can be knottedby the person to hold the rolled mat either by hand or across theshoulder before and after yoga. Because the yoga mat is held by a loopof inelastic material, the mat can breathe and dry-out after class.

The yoga student thus does not need to bring to class nylon straps,cushion blocks, a towel to prevent slippage and a yoga bag for the mat.The loop of inelastic material is multi-functional by being capable ofuse during yoga as a strap, a cushion block, and a slip-preventionarticle and by being capable of holding a rolled mat used in yoga. Theyoga student simply shows up to class or anywhere she performs yoga justwith her loop and mat. Because the loop is used during yoga, there is nogear to be placed around her mat. Moreover, there is no time-consumingunloading of gear before class and packing of gear after class. Theelimination of extensive unloading and packing allows the yoga studentto concentrate on achieving the proper mind-set, which is an importantaspect of performing yoga.

In one aspect, the inelastic material is a towel-type fabric. The use ofsuch fabric prevents slippage on the mat if the loop is used duringyoga. The yoga student can also use the loop of towel-type fabric to dryher face and body during and after yoga, thereby eliminating the need tobring a towel to class.

In another aspect, the loop of inelastic can visually guide the yogastudent to the correct posture of a pose. The loop may have stitching oreven hand positions indicating where the student's hands should beplaced for a pose such as the plank pose.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method forperforming an exercise on a mat and holding the mat upon completion ofthe exercise. The method comprises providing a loop of inelasticmaterial for use during the exercise. The method further includesarranging the loop to hold the mat upon completion of the exercise.

This method can be used to perform yoga and hold a yoga mat in oneaspect. In a further aspect, the step of arranging comprises placing theyoga mat on the loop so as to form an opening extending to each end ofthe loop and guiding one end through the opening at the other end suchthat the mat is held by the loop. In this manner, the yoga mat can besimply held by the loop used during yoga.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method ofmaking a loop of inelastic material for performing an exercise on a matand holding the mat upon completion of the exercise comprising:providing a first and second panel of inelastic material, each having alength between 20 to 40 inches, providing a third and fourth panel ofinelastic material, each having a length between 6 to 30 inches, andconnecting the first, second, third and fourth panels together to formthe loop. In a further aspect, the panels are connected by stitching.Any of the details of the description herein can be used inmanufacturing an article.

These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, whenread with the drawings and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the first embodiment used during an exercise.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first embodiment arranged around a mat to holdthe mat.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a series of steps for arranging the firstembodiment around a mat to hold the mat.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11B illustrates a side elevation view of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view of the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 15B illustrates a perspective view of the eleventh embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, reference is made to accompanying drawingsillustrating the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view the first embodiment of thepresent invention. The first embodiment comprises a loop 1 of inelasticmaterial. The loop 1 comprises a plurality of panels 2, 3, 4 and 5. Eachpanel has a first end 2 a, 3 a, 4 a and 5 a and a second end 2 b, 3 b, 4b and 5 b. The panels are connected together to form a loop in thefollowing manner. The first ends 2 a and 3 a of panels 2 and 3 areconnected to the first and second ends 5 a and 5 b of panel 5. Thesecond ends 2 b and 3 b of the panels 2 and 3 are connected to the firstand second ends 4 a and 4 b of panel 4.

In FIG. 1, the panels are connected together through stitching. That is,the loop is manufactured by stitching the panels together. The method ofmanufacture includes stitched seams 6 and 7 connecting panels 2 and 3 topanel 4, while stitched seams 8 and 9 connect panels 2 and 3 to panel 5.A number of different types of stitches may be used to connect thepanels together. For example, a serge stitch or a railroad stitch can beused. These two types of stitches provide a very strong connectionbetween two pieces of material, such as fabric. A strong connection canbe important if the exercise requires the loop to be pulled with force.Other types of stitches that can be used are a straight stitch, a flatlock and a serge raw edge.

FIG. 1 shows the same type of stitch used to connect the panels.However, different types of stitches can be used in the same loop. Forexample, panels 2 and 3 can be connected to panel 4 with a surge stitch,while panels 2 and 3 can be connected to panel 5 with a railroad stitch.This may be necessary if, for example, the exercise requires the loop tobe used in one manner on the panel 4-side of the loop 1 and in anothermanner on the panel 5-side of the loop 1. FIG. 1 also illustrates thatthe stitches 6, 7, 8 and 9 extend from the upper periphery 10 of theloop 1 to the lower periphery 11. Stitches extending for only a portionof the distance between the upper periphery 10 and the lower periphery11 may be also be used.

The first embodiment also includes stitching along the upper periphery10 and the lower periphery 11. An edge stitch is used for both the upperperiphery 10 and the lower periphery 11. Such peripheral edge stitchingprevents the upper and lower peripheries 10 and 11 of the loop 1 fromfraying. Fraying can result from use of the loop 1 during an exercise.If the loop is made from an inelastic material that is washable, such asterry cloth, the peripheral edge stitching also prevents fraying due towashing.

Of course, stitches other than an edge stitch can be used, and differenttypes of stitches can be used for the upper periphery 10 and the lowerperiphery 11. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the edge stitch extendingalong the entire upper and lower periphery, the edge stitching mayextend for only a portion for one or both of the peripheries.

FIG. 1 shows the stitching, whether to connect the panels or along theperipheries, with colored thread. The colored thread contrasts with thematerial of the loop 1. Such contrasting provides the loop with adistinctive look, such as old sweatshirt or football jersey. Thecontrasting also provides a guidance function which will be discussedwith respect to FIG. 2.

The material of the loop 1 is inelastic. The inelasticity prevents theloop from stretching in exercises, such as yoga, that may require theloop 1 to be pulled with force. The material illustrated in FIG. 1 is atowel-type fabric, such as terry-cloth. Terry-cloth has at least sevenadvantages. First, terry-cloth does not stretch when pulled. Second, itis a flexible fabric such that the loop can be arranged in numerousconfigurations. Third, terry-cloth can be used as a cushion, because itis typically a plush and soft fabric. Fourth, terry-cloth is absorbent,thereby allowing the loop to be used as a towel during an exercise (to,for example, absorb perspiration from hands, face or body) and after anexercise to dry the face and body. Fifth, terry-cloth can provide a highfriction surface. This reduces or even prevents not only the hands orother body parts from slipping along the mat, but also the loop fromslipping along a mat or other surface. Sixth, terry-cloth is washable.Seventh, terry-cloth is aesthetically pleasing.

Many different types of terry-cloth or terry-cloth like fabrics can beused, such as corduroy toweling, glass toweling, huck toweling, knitterry, French terry, terry velvet, Turkish toweling, two-sided terry,preshrunk terry and velour toweling, all of which can be made with cutpile or uncut, looped pile. The terry cloth can be made with cotton or acotton/polyester blend.

Terry-cloth or terry-cloth like fabrics are not the only towel-typefabrics that can be used. Other types of towel-type fabrics may be used,such as microfiber and absorbent cotton blends. Furthermore, inelasticmaterials that are not a towel-type fabric may be used, such as nylonand polyester blends.

FIG. 1 shows the same type of fabric on both the exterior surface andthe interior surface. Different types of fabrics or even materials canbe used on the exterior surface and the interior surface. For example,the exterior surface can be made of terry-cloth, while the interiorsurface can be made of cotton. This can be achieved using a single loophaving different fabrics on each side, two concentric loops havingdifferent fabrics that are joined together or any other arrangementwhether partial, full or otherwise.

Logos, images, words and the like may also be placed on the exteriorsurface and the interior surface of loop 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a logo 12on the exterior surface of loop 1. The logo 12 is placed (in FIG. 1through stitching) at the bottom corner of the second end 2 b of panel2. The logo 12 is illustrated with a figure made of colored thread, butthe figure can be white or in black. The lines below the figure, whichare optional, are in colored thread (of the same or different color thanthe figure). The lines can also be white or in color.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the loop 1 of the first embodiment used duringan exercise such as yoga. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a person 20 on ayoga mat 30. Loop 1 has been arranged to lay flat along the horizontalor x-direction of the mat 30. The arrangement is achieved by collapsingthe loop 1 onto itself. That is, panel 2 lies on top of panel 3, andpanels 4 and 5 are each doubled over. This arrangement leads to seams 6and 7 to be aligned such that seam 6 is on top of seam 7. Seams 8 and 9are aligned such that seam 9 is on top of seam 8. It should be notedthat FIGS. 2-3 (and FIGS. 4-6) do not illustrate the stitching alongperipheries 10 and 11.

The person 20 is performing the plank pose by extending his body alongthe vertical or y-direction of the mat 30. His hands 21 and 22 arepositioned on the loop 1 between seams 6 and 9. FIG. 2 shows the seams 6and 9 falling on the vertical edges of the mat 30. The seams 6 and 9visually mark the boundaries of the mat. Thus, the seams 6 and 9 guidethe person 20 on the placement of his hands 21 and 22.

Aside from visual guidance, the loop 1 acts as cushion. Loop 1 is madeof towel-type fabric, such as terry-cloth and, in this arrangement, hastwo layers. Panel 3 and half of panels 4 and 5 constitute a bottomlayer, while panel 2 and the other half of panels 4 and 5 constitute atop layer. Two layers of towel-type fabric can reduce the stress on theshoulders, arms and hands associated with the plank pose.

The loop 1 also prevents the hands 21 and 22 from slipping along the mat30 in at least two ways. First, the towel-type fabric absorbs theperspiration in the hands and on the mat. Second, the towel-type fabricof loop 1 prevents the hands 21 and 22 and the loop itself from slippingalong the mat 30. FIG. 2 illustrates the height h of the loop 1 to besmaller in length than hands 21 and 22. Of course, the loop 1 can have aheight h that fully encompasses the hands 21 and 22.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates the loop 1 used as a cushion for the plankpose, the loop 1 can be arranged to act as a cushion in other poses. Forexample, the loop 1 can be doubled over several times to act as a thickcushion block for a knee or elbow in poses requiring knee or elbowcontact with the mat 30. If the loop 1 is made thick enough, it can actsimply as block to support the hands, arms, legs, head, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates the loop 1 used as a strap. The loop 1 in FIG. 3 isused as a strap for a leg pose, but the loop can be used as a strap inother poses. In the leg pose, the person 20 lies on his back on yoga mat30. He must lift his leg and foot 23 above the mat for a duration oftime. He may raise his leg with his leg extended or he may be requiredto bring his knee toward his chest as illustrated in FIG. 3. Becauseeither position may be difficult to achieve or maintain, support can beprovided through the use of the loop 1 as a strap.

The loop 1 is collapsed onto itself in the same manner as in FIG. 2.With his right hand 21, the person 20 grabs the loop 1 on its panel4-side. Specifically, he places his fingers around panel 4 between seams6 and 7. With his left hand 22, the persons grabs the loop 1 on itspanel 5-side by placing his fingers around panel 5 between seams 8 and9. The person 20 then places the loop 1 around his foot 23, such thathis sole is touching the exterior surface of panel 2. As the person 20lifts his leg and foot 23 above the mat 30, he pulls with his hands 21and 22. Because the loop 1 is inelastic, it allows the hands 21 and 22to force the knee toward the chest. The hands 21 and 22 can continue topull the loop 1 to maintain the pose.

FIGS. 2 and 3 thus illustrate the loop 1 used in performing yoga. Theloop 1 can be used as a cushion (or just a block), a slip-preventionarticle, a visual guide for proper posture, a strap and a towel.

FIG. 4 illustrates the capability of the loop 1 to hold the yoga mat 30.In FIG. 4, the yoga mat 30 has been rolled, which is typically donebefore a yoga session and after the completion of a yoga session. Theloop 1 has been arranged to hold the yoga mat 30 at approximately waistlevel of the person 20. The knot that is used allows the yoga mat 30 tobe held over the shoulder to thereby leave the person's hands free. Ofcourse, in this arrangement, the loop 1 can also be held by the person'shand or hands. In either way, the yoga mat is held in a way that allowsthe yoga mat to breathe and dry-out. This is particularly importantafter yoga, where the mat can be wet due to the yoga student'sperspiration.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a series of steps for arranging the loop 1 to holdthe yoga mat 30. In FIG. 5, the yoga mat 30 is placed on the loop 1 toform two openings. The first opening 13 extends to the panel 4-end ofthe loop 1. The second opening 14 extends to the panel 5-end of the loop1. In FIG. 6, the panel 4-end is guided through the opening 14 in thedirection of arrow AR1. Once the panel 4-end passes through the opening14, the panel 4-end is pulled up in the direction of arrow AR2 asillustrated in FIG. 7. The opening 14 begins to close as the panel 4-endis pulled in the AR2 direction to hold the yoga mat 30. The opening 13remains to allow the person to grab the panel 4-end of the loop 1 orplace the panel 4 end around his shoulder as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thepresent invention is not limited to the knot illustrated in FIGS. 4-7.Other knots well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be usedto hold the yoga mat, whether rolled or unrolled.

Although FIGS. 2-7 illustrate the loop 1 used during yoga or holding ayoga mat, the loop is not limited to the exercise of yoga. For example,the loop can be used in pilates to perform some of the poses in pilatesand to hold a mat or other equipment used in pilates. The exercise doesnot have to be series of actions (such as a series of poses in yoga orpilates), but can be a single action such as doing a single stretch.

The loop is not limited to being used in exercises relating topositioning the body, such as in yoga, pilates and stretching. The loopcan be used in exercises such as hiking and spinning, which involvesstationary bicycles. Typically, in spinning, an instructor leads a classthrough an imaginary bicycle course and requires the students to performupper body exercises while cycling. The loop can be hitched around thehandles of a bicycle. This allows perspiration from the bicycle rider tobe absorbed. By looping the loop around the handles, the rider caneasily access the loop for drying her face and body. Furthermore, theloop can be used during spinning to provide for upper body exercisessuch as stretching of the arms.

The present invention is not limited to holding a mat or even a holdingfunction. The loop can be configured to hold other equipment used in theexercise. For example, the loop can be used to hold a water bottle orother equipment used in performing the exercise of hiking. The loop canprovide uses other than holding such as upper body exercises andabsorption as discussed above with respect to spinning.

The inventor has determined the range for the height of the loop isbetween 1 and 15 inches (including 1 inch and 15 inches). Within thisrange, a range between 6-10 inches is a preferred range for an adultwith typical proportions. The length of the loop is defined herein ashalf of a circumferential measurement of the loop. The inventor hasdetermined the range for the length of the loop is between 15 to 60inches (or a range between 30 to 120 inches for the circumferentialmeasurement). Within this range of 15 to 60 inches, a preferred rangefor an adult with typical proportions is between 32 to 38 inches.

FIG. 2 illustrates the height h and the length L of the loop 1. Asdiscussed above, the loop 1 in FIG. 2 is collapsed on itself. Panel 2lies on top of panel 3, and panels 4 and 5 are each doubled over. Thelength L illustrated in FIG. 2 is half the circumferential measurementof the loop. As discussed above, the circumferential measurement of theloop can be determined by multiplying the length L by a factor of 2.

Suitable height h and length L dimensions for the loop 1 in FIG. 2 canbe 6 inches by 32 inches through 10 inches by 40 inches or anycombination therein (such as 8 inches by 34 inches). These dimensionsreflect the multi-functional uses for an exercise such as yoga. A loophaving these dimensions can be easily grasped as a strap, can preventthe hands or other body parts from slipping, can properly position theyoga mat at waist level and on the shoulder and is consistent with thedimensions of a typical yoga mat, which are 24 inches in the x-direction(m_(x)) and 68 inches in the y-direction (m_(y)) as illustrated in FIG.2.

The height and length dimensions can also be smaller, such as 4 or 5inches by 24 inches. Furthermore, the height h and length L dimensionscan be any combination within their respective ranges (1 to 15 inchesfor height and 15 to 60 inches for length) as discussed above.

It should be noted that the dimensions are not limited to a minimum andmaximum range. For example, the length L of the loop 1 can be equal toor greater than 15 inches in order to be knotted by a person as shown inFIGS. 5 to 7. The length L of the loop 1 can be equal to or less than 60inches. Furthermore, the height h of the loop can be equal to or greaterthan 1 inch or equal to or less than 15 inches.

Lengths l₁, l₂ and l₃ in FIG. 2 illustrate the length of the panels. Thelength l₂ is the length of each of the panels 2 and 3. Length l₂ can bebetween 20 inches and 40 inches. A range between 27 inches and 35 inchesis suitable for an adult with typical proportions. Lengths l₁ and l₃ arehalf the total lengths of panels 5 and 4, respectively. The lengths l₁and l₃ can be between 1 inch and 15 inches (or 2 to 30 inches for totallength) and suitably between 7 inches and 12 inches. Thus, panels 2 and3 may have height h and length l₂ dimensions of 8 inches by 27 inchesthrough 8 inches by 35 inches while panels 4 and 5 may have height h andlength l₁/l₃ dimensions of 8 inches by 7 inches through 8 inches by 12inches. It should be noted that the dimensions are not limited to aminimum and maximum range as discussed above. Although the heightdimension h of the loop 1 is the same for all the panels, the panels canhave different heights.

FIGS. 8-15B illustrate other embodiments of the present invention. FIG.8 illustrates a loop 1 with a circular opening 40 in a panel, while FIG.9 illustrates a rectangular opening 50 in a panel. Each opening providesat least four advantages. First, the opening reduces the amount offabric used. Second, the opening can be used as a guidance tool. If theloop is used for the exercise of yoga, it can indicate to the yogastudent or practitioner where to place her hands, arms, etc. A yogateacher can use the opening as a signpost to direct her student'sposture. Third, the opening allows for even more knot configurations tohold an object used in an exercise. Sections of the loop can be fedthrough the opening to create different knots. Fourth, the opening is anaesthetically distinctive feature.

It should be noted shapes other than a circle and a rectangle can beused. Moreover, the shape does not have to be in the panel. The shapecan be an arcuate periphery or a cut-out of the periphery orperipheries. Of course, a loop can have more than one opening or shape,such as having an opening in each of two opposing panels.

FIG. 10 shows loop 1 with hand positions 55 and 56. If the exercise isyoga, these hand positions guide the yoga student or practitioner in theplacement of her hands. The hand positions may be used in exercisesother than yoga. Of course, any other markings can be used, such asgeometric shapes, other body parts and words. FIG. 10 illustrates thehands 55 and 56 being of different color and/or material from theremainder of the loop 1. The hands 55 and 56 or any other markings usedcan also be stitched onto or placed on the loop 1.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a loop 1 with a pocket 60 on a side panel.The pocket 60 has a logo and an entry with edge stitching in thevertical or y-direction. The entry is simply pulled to place an objectin the pocket. Of course, other types of entries can be used such as anentry with a zipper or an entry using buttons. The pocket can be of anysize applicable to the loop, and its placement is not limited to a sidepanel. Moreover, more than one pocket may be used.

FIG. 12 shows a loop 1 having panels 70 and 71 with different colorsand/or materials. This feature has at least four advantages. First,different colors and/or materials for panels can reduce the cost ofmanufacture. Second, different colors and/or materials for panels canprovide a guidance function. An instructor can instruct a student to useonly the sections having a certain color for a given exercise. Third,different colors and/or materials for panels can guide the user tocorrectly knot the loop. Directions can be provided with the loopshowing how to knot the loop by clearly indicating the different panels.Fourth, different colors or materials for panels can be optimized forthe exercise to be performed.

FIG. 12 illustrates that the panel 70 and its directly opposing panelhave the same color and/or material, while panel 71 and its directlyopposing panels have the same color and/or material. The presentinvention can be made with any number of colors and/or materials, suchthat each panel has a different color and/or material.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment. Loop 1 has a plurality of panelsconnected together by seams 82, 83, 84 and 85. Unlike FIG. 1, the loop 1of the present embodiment does not have any stitching on its lowerperiphery 81 and its upper periphery 86. It should be noted that theembodiment can be modified to have stitching on one of the peripheries81 and 86.

FIGS. 14A and 14B shows two embodiments having a single panel. In FIG.14A, the loop 1 comprises a single panel 90. The panel 90 has two endswhich are connected by zipper 91. In FIG. 14B, the loop 1 comprises asingle panel 100. The two ends of the panel 100 are connected by snaps101. Buttons and other fastening devices can be used. In FIGS. 14A and14B, the loop is capable of being undone. The user simply unzips thezipper 91 or opens the snaps to undo the loop. In contrast, loop 1 ofFIG. 1 is incapable of being undone. The panels 2, 3, 4, and 5 arestitched together and cannot be opened. It should be noted the featuresof FIGS. 14A and 14B are not limited to a single-panel loop.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate embodiments with different number of panelsand different panel sizes. Any number and size can be used. For example,FIG. 15A illustrates a loop 1 comprising a plurality of panels 110, 111,112 and 113. The panels are connected by seams 114, 115, 116 and 117.Unlike FIG. 1, at least two of the opposing panels are not the samelength. Panel 110 is a different length than panel 111. FIG. 15Billustrates a loop 1 comprising a plurality of three panels 120, 121,and 122 connected by seams 123, 124 and 125. The panels 120, 121 and 122are the same length.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connectionwith the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Suchchanges and modifications are to be understood as being included withinthe scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An article comprising: a loop of inelastic material configured foruse by a person to perform an exercise on a mat, said mat capable ofbeing rolled up after completion of the exercise, wherein the loop has alength equal to or greater than 15 inches and the loop is furtherconfigured to be knotted by the person to hold the rolled mat.
 2. Thearticle of claim 1 wherein the loop comprises a plurality of panelsconnected together.
 3. The article of claim 2 wherein the plurality ofpanels comprises a first, second, third and fourth panel, each panelhaving a first and second end.
 4. The article of claim 3 wherein thefirst ends of the first and second panels are connected respectively tothe first and second ends of the third panel and the second ends of thefirst and second panels are connected respectively to the first andsecond ends of the fourth panel.
 5. The article of claim 4 wherein eachof the first and second panels has a length between 27 inches and 35inches.
 6. The article of claim 4 wherein the first ends of the firstand second panels are stitched respectively to the first and second endsof the third panel and the second ends of the first and second panelsare stitched respectively to the first and second ends of the fourthpanel.
 7. The article of claim 6 further comprising an upper peripheryand a lower periphery, each of said upper and lower periphery havingstitching.
 8. The article of claim 4 wherein the first and second panelshave a first color and the third and fourth panels have a second color.9. The article of claim 1 wherein the non-elastic material is atowel-type fabric.
 10. The article of claim 9 wherein the towel-typefabric is terry cloth.
 11. The article of claim 1 wherein the exerciseis yoga and wherein the mat is a yoga mat.
 12. The article of claim 1wherein the loop is incapable of being undone.
 13. The article of claim1 wherein the length of the loop is equal to or less than 60 inches. 14.The article of claim 13 wherein the length of the loop is between 32 and38 inches.
 15. A method of performing an exercise on a mat and holdingthe mat upon completion of the exercise, comprising: providing a loop ofinelastic material for use during the exercise; and knotting the loop tohold the mat upon completion of the exercise.
 16. The method of claim 15wherein the exercise is yoga and the mat is a yoga mat.
 17. The methodof claim 16 wherein the step of knotting comprises: placing the yoga maton the loop so as to separate the loop into a first loop section and asecond loop section; and guiding an end of the first loop sectionthrough the second loop section such that the mat is held by the loop.18. A method of making a loop of inelastic material for performing anexercise on a mat and holding the mat upon completion of the exercise,comprising: providing a first and second panel of inelastic material,each having a length between 20 to 40 inches; providing a third andfourth panel of inelastic material, each having a length between 6 to 30inches; and connecting the first, second, third and fourth panelstogether to form the loop.
 19. The article of claim 1, wherein the loophas a height of at least 6 inches and is made of a towel-type fabric.20. A combination comprising: a loop of inelastic material and a matcapable of being rolled, said loop having a height of at least 6 inchesand configured to allow a user to perform exercises therewith, whereinthe loop is further configured to be knotted by the user to hold the matwhen rolled.